Enugu: Christian Chukwu, a veteran Rangers International FC player popularly known as ‘Chairman,’ is dead. Chukwu, a former captain of the African Cup of Nations’ Green Eagles, passed away in Enugu on Saturday at the age of 74.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, JoeMartins Uzodike, ex Rangers International secretary and Coordinator of Ex Rangers International Players Association, disclosed the news in Enugu. Uzodike stated that Chukwu died at the Eastern Niger Medical Centre, where his remains have been deposited at the morgue.
Chukwu was born on January 4, 1951, and captained the Nigerian national team, then known as the Green Eagles, between 1974 and 1980. He was part of the Nigerian squads that won the Africa Nations Cup in 1980 and finished as runners-up in 1976 and 1978. He made history as the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup trophy after a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the finals of the 1980 tournament.
In October 1998, Chukwu was appointed coach of the Kenya national team. From 2003 to 2005, he coached Nigeria, leading them to the semifinals at the 2004 African Cup of Nations. However, during the 2006 World Cup qualification phase, Chukwu faced criticism for his coaching and management of the Nigerian national football team, leading to his suspension two matches before the qualifying campaign concluded.
Chukwu also coached Enugu Rangers to a 6th place finish in the 2008/2009 season of the Nigeria Premier League but was sacked on August 5, 2009, for failing to meet the club’s targets for the season. He was later appointed Rangers’ General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, a decision announced by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Chukwu was honored as a Member of the Federal Republic (MFR). In his youth, his parents discouraged him from playing football, even giving him plantains to hawk as a distraction. It was only after he began playing for the National Grammar School, Nike in Enugu, and the Highlanders FC, that his parents started acknowledging his passion for the sport. He became captain of his school team, leading them to numerous victories.
His favorite playing ground was the Ngwo Park, known for producing many great players for Rangers, Vasco, and the Green Eagles. Christian Chukwu is survived by his wife, Lilian, four children, and numerous relatives.